No they don't use the holes anymore, my rods don't have the holes either.

Just wondering if the lifters could be binding in the bores.

My cam had a run-out of one thou. but still wouldn't turn freely in the bearings, I had to bore the cam tunnel.

If there is no physical evidence of a problem with the piston/rings and cylinders I suppose lack of oil could be the reason the cylinder walls have the cross-hatching worn off. Or metal in the oil acting as an abrasive on the rings, the journals and the lobes.

Yes I'm single but living in sin. When my buddy saw the pistons on the sink drain and realized Karen let me wash them in the kitchen sink he said "you better marry that girl". Wedding is set for September.